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Review by Daland February 19, 2005 (12 of 12 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics:  |
| This multi-channel recording is the first account of Mahler's First that easily accommodates the massed sound of the brass instruments in the closing stages (especially the seven horns to be played standing). It sets new standards for dynamic range and spatial definition, but the drawback is a more diffuse sound, the instruments being not so easy to locate as usual. Simonov gives a convincing performance, combining verve and drama with introspection in the more lyrical moments. The climaxes are nothing short of breathtaking, especially the tutti statements towards the end of the first movement and the finale. The orchestral sound is excellent, which also applies to the strings except for some very high-lying passages. Some audiophiles may object to the fact that the rear speakers are not limited to ambience, but directly involved in the musical proceedings. I would prefer this account to Tilson-Thomas's performance which is more "civilized" and smoother in sound, but less thrilling.
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